My dear readers,
Let’s address the elephant in the room – quite literally, the elephant-sized concerns around body image, weight, and yoga in the context of menopause. It’s high time we shed some light on this topic and break free from the chains of body shaming.
One fine day, a good friend kindly informed me that I was “okay” only from the Dr waist up but how did I do so much exercise and still have curves?
Now, at first, that might have stung like a bee, but it led me to reflect on how society’s perception of body image and yoga can be remarkably skewed. It’s as if proper yoga teachers wear sports bras and leggings as if they’re the only gateway to yogic enlightenment.
Body shaming is an issue that has plagued many of us, not just as yoga practitioners but as human beings. The truth is, negative comments can be like a heavy weight that we carry around, affecting our self-esteem, mental health, and our ability to embrace our unique bodies. As a yoga teacher, I’ve had my fair share of disheartening comments and experiences, but I’ve (almost) learned the art of overcoming and ignoring them.
Understanding the impact of body shaming is crucial. Those harsh words can echo over time, seeping into the very core of our self-worth, creating scars that are not easily erased. Yoga, in its essence, teaches us to be compassionate and non-judgmental, starting with ourselves. It’s a practice that should encourage self-acceptance and self-love, regardless of our size, shape, or age.
So, let’s place importance on feeling healthy above looking a certain way. Menopause is a significant phase in a woman’s life, and our bodies go through remarkable changes. Yoga can be a nurturing companion during this journey, helping us embrace our evolving bodies with grace and strength. The mat doesn’t discriminate, and neither should we.
As yoga practitioners and teachers, it’s our responsibility to create spaces that foster kindness, support, and inclusivity. Let’s cast aside the body-shaming notions, celebrate our bodies for the incredible vessels they are, and remember that yoga is about the union of mind, body, and spirit, not the size of our yoga pants.
So, my fellow yogis, let’s lift our chins high, exhale the negativity, and inhale self-acceptance. Let’s redefine what it means to be a “proper” yoga teacher and embrace our bodies, thick in the belly, wrinkles and all. Because, in the grand scheme of things, it’s not the size of our bodies that matter, but the size of our hearts.
Namaste. 🙏🧘♀️
Nimblelimbs 